The once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse Monday, April 8, kicks off the Shelby County Public Library’s events for the week. All locations will close for the day, as staff and the public enjoy the eclipse. Afterward, the library revs up its offerings for spring with its $5 Bag of Books Spring Book Sale during National Library Week, April 7 to 13. Purchase a Friends of the Library tote for $5 and fill it as full as possible! This includes hardback books, softcovers, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, children’s books, and more at both Morristown and Shelbyville locations.

Genealogy & History returns with its Famous, Infamous & Unknown program at 7 pm Tuesday, April 9. Meet in the Adult Stacks of the Shelbyville Branch to hear Donna Dennison’s exciting tales. On Wednesday, adults are invited to participate in Name That Tune with Stephanie in Room D in the Shelbyville Branch. Guess the songs, which center on the word “eclipse.” The Book Club @ The Horizon Center will discuss Audie Murphy’s memoir “To Hell and Back” at 1 pm at Shelby Senior Services, Suite 101 inside the YMCA.

Morristown has planned a Bluey party for Saturday, April 13 at 2 pm. Celebrate new Bluey episodes with crafts, games, dance mode, and more. However, the rest of Morristown’s week is packed with events for all ages. As with Shelbyville, Morristown’s location will close on Monday, April 8. Teach Me How, for adults, presents Canva, an easy graphics design program, in an easy tutorial with library staff. Starts at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 9. More Than a Paycheck features Colin Phelps, who will speak about his study and practice of Exercise Science. Listen to him at 6:30 pm Thursday, April 9. This is specially recommended for ages 12-16. Ken Jewell Literary Society meets at 4 pm Tuesday, April 9 to discuss “Stardust” by Neil Gaiman.

Youth of all ages have fun times this week at both library branches. Tuesday, April 9 bring Movies with Molly at 4:45 pm at Shelbyville, where ages 11+ can select a movie to watch and enjoy popcorn. On Wed. April 10, Morristown offers card games for ages 6-11 from 3 pm to 5 pm. At 5 pm at Shelbyville, Youth Advisory Board, a type of library student council, convenes Wednesday, also. Nintendo Club for ages 6-11 meets at Shelbyville at 6 pm Thursday, April 11. More Than a Paycheck with exercise scientist Colin Phelps starts at 6:30 pm Thursday at Morristown. Ages 12-1is the focus age for this program. Baby/Toddler Playtime begins at 10 am Friday, April 12 at Shelbyville. While at Morristown at 3:30 pm, ages 12 to adults are invited to watch the movie after reading the book. A matinee movie of the 2007 fantasy film starring Charlie Cox and Claire Danes is rated PG-13. Last, but definitely not least, is Morristown’s Bluey Party on Saturday, April 13 at 2 pm. Celebrate the new Bluey episodes with crafts, games, dance mode, and more.

In the meantime, check out the Shelby County Public Library’s website for specific programs. Especially important is the Solar Eclipse page with interesting articles from Atlas Obscura, NASA videos, and links to important local eclipse website. Here is the link: https://www.myshelbylibrary.org/solar-eclipse-april-8-2024